Merseyside UFO Bulletin - Vol 2 No 5 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: Merseyside UFO Bulletin
Issue: Volume 2, number 5
Date: September-October 1969

This issue of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin focuses on two primary themes: the potential of telepathy for interstellar communication and a revisit to the Warminster UFO phenomenon. The publication highlights the contributions of amateur researchers and addresses the skepticism faced by ufologists.

Editorial: Scope for the Amateur

The editorial expresses frustration with astronomers who dismiss UFOs based on their limited understanding of current cosmology and the vast distances between stars. It notes that psychic researchers are often too preoccupied with other matters to investigate UFO reports. The editorial argues that many specialists adopt negative attitudes because their narrow specializations prevent them from viewing the UFO problem holistically. It posits that open-minded non-specialists are crucial for the subject's growing recognition in the scientific community. Ufology is presented as a field where amateurs can still make significant contributions by devising hypotheses or collecting data.

Telepathy as a Possible Means of Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligences by John Harney

John Harney's article explores the possibility of telepathy as a means of communication with extraterrestrial intelligences. He begins by referencing scientific research into telepathy for astronaut-Earth communication, acknowledging the difficulties in evaluating such experiments and the lack of general acceptance for direct mind-to-mind contact without known physical processes. Harney defines telepathy based on the Concise Oxford Dictionary and Frederic Myers' definition, emphasizing communication independent of the senses.

He discusses the 'Association Theory' proposed by Carington, suggesting that spontaneous telepathy often occurs between individuals with strong emotional bonds or common interests. Carington's theory posits that a shared 'K-object' or 'idea-of-the-experiment' could facilitate contact with alien intelligences. However, Harney highlights the numerous possibilities for obtaining false or misleading results, including the influence of mentally disturbed individuals and the subconscious fabrication of messages.

The article also considers telepathy as a physical phenomenon, noting the Russian research in this area but acknowledging the lack of identified energy sources or bodily mechanisms. It draws an analogy with radio but suggests radio is currently a more viable proposition for contacting aliens. Harney also touches upon the potential impact of electromagnetic radiation on the brain, citing C. Maxwell Cade's work, and suggests that certain UFOs might utilize devices that induce such effects, leading witnesses to perceive familiar creatures or 'pressure-suited spacemen.'

Harney concludes that while telepathy might be a real phenomenon, its operation is too vague, uncertain, and unpredictable, offering too much scope for delusion, to be a reliable means of communication with extraterrestrials. He notes that experimental results would likely be dismissed as worthless for serious scientific study.

Warminster Revisited: Some Personal Observations by John A. Rimmer

John Rimmer shares his personal experiences and observations from a visit to Warminster, describing the town as a tranquil English setting. He recounts an interaction with a local farmer who dismisses flying saucer reports. Rimmer then describes a visit to Cradle Hill, a site associated with UFO activity, noting the surrounding landscape and its historical significance. He mentions the presence of Warminster Barracks and Salisbury Plain.

Rimmer recounts a skywatching experience where Arthur Shuttlewood, a key figure in the Warminster phenomenon, describes a remarkable sighting of an opalescent, sword-like object. Shuttlewood's narrative style is described as soft, gentle, and captivating, holding the gathered listeners enthralled. Rimmer characterizes Shuttlewood as sincere and not a fraud, despite some local opinions suggesting he benefits materially from the mystery.

Rimmer emphasizes that the Warminster mystery is heavily dependent on Shuttlewood's influence and narrative. He notes that Shuttlewood, a journalist, uses vivid and evocative language ('coruscating,' 'diamond-shot,' 'amethyst') to describe sightings, which contributes to the phenomenon's circulation. Rimmer suggests that Shuttlewood's sentimental and emotional nature, combined with his professional journalistic approach, makes his accounts highly persuasive.

He concludes his observations by advising caution regarding reports from skywatches at Cradle Hill due to strong subjective and emotional conditions. He believes the Warminster mystery involves no deliberate deception but acknowledges that the nature of the people involved can lead to distortion of facts. Rimmer also questions the value of organized skywatches, as the conditions at Cradle Hill might be replicated elsewhere.

Book Reviews

Chariots of the Gods? by Erich von Daniken: Reviewed by David Abbott, this book is noted for its significant impact and sales. Von Daniken's hypothesis is that ancient gods were actually astronauts from distant planets. The review highlights his approach from a scientific knowledge standpoint, contrasting him with Drinsley Le Foer Trench. Von Daniken's argument that gods, if immortal, would not need to arrive with such fuss is presented. The review mentions his use of Genesis to support the idea of gods interbreeding with humans and his broader interpretation of religion. The book's fascination lies in its linking of religious stories to potential extraterrestrial arrivals and its presentation of cave drawings depicting figures resembling modern astronauts. Abbott considers it the best book for ufologists published in the last year, finding it a light read after the Condon report.

Mysteries of the Skies by Gordon I.R. Lore & Harold H Donault: Reviewed by Elaine D. Wash, this book traces UFO history from 1745 to the present day. The authors, formerly of NICAP, state that approximately 200 out of 1,000 reported sightings defy classification as natural phenomena. The review highlights early sightings like the 'Sacramento Valley Airship' (1896) and discusses chapters on 'Sightings at Sea,' 'Astronomers and UFOs,' and the 'Battle of Los Angeles' (1942). Wash notes the consistent reporting of a single phenomenon across centuries, despite observers being labeled as 'unlucky citizens.' The book is praised for its clear account of UFO history and sufficient detail.

UFO Perciptients Special Issue No. 3: Reviewed by John Harney, this issue focuses on the study of UFO witnesses. It includes a contribution by Aime Michel detailing the case of Maurice Masse and the strange effects experienced by a doctor after a UFO sighting. Dr. Berthold Schwarz discusses the Gary Wilcox case, and Dr. Leo Sprinkle examines the use of hypnosis on UFO witnesses. Harney recommends it as essential reading for those seriously interested in UFOs.

Other Items

The issue also includes a brief mention of the UFO CHRONOLOG publication and lists the editorial staff of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin: John Harney (Editor), John A. Rimmer (Assistant Editor), Alan W. Sharp (Science Editor), and Miss Elaine D. Wash (Editorial Assistant).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional theories regarding extraterrestrial contact (telepathy, ancient astronauts) and the detailed examination of specific UFO phenomena (Warminster). The editorial stance strongly supports the value of amateur contributions to ufology, advocating for open-minded investigation and data collection, while acknowledging the challenges posed by scientific skepticism and the potential for self-deception in witness accounts. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse perspectives, from scientific inquiry into telepathy to personal observations of alleged UFO events and critical reviews of related literature.